Aisha Chantelle De Beer, a Zimbabwean model based in Johannesburg, South Africa has won the Miss March contest in the ongoing Face of Zimbabwe (FOZ) competition.

Aisha fended off challenges from close contender Nyasha Manyenga.

The Bulawayo born beauty who has previously appeared on billboards in Zimbabwe and the cover of Edgar’s Club Magazine is currently making her mark on the SA modelling circuit where she has featured in print and TV adverts for MTN, Homemark TV ads and Renault Clio.

Aisha, who speaks both Ndebele and Shona fluently, won both the highest public vote and the nod from three of the five FOZ judges to claim the Miss March title.

Face of Zimbabwe is an online competition in which Zimbabweans all over the world are eligible to enter. In its second season, the competition is aimed at promoting Zimbabwe abroad through the beauty of its people, raising awareness for tourism and various charitable causes.

UK based model, Caroline Mutasa, who sits as one of the FOZ judges said the stunning beauty had “strong, standout looks and could succeed as a top model anywhere in the world.”

Another judge, popular Radio presenter, Priscilla Nalana added: “Besides her obvious beauty, Aisha’s passion for her country is refreshing; she is quite comfortable to highlight the good in Zimbabwe through her work and has just raised the bar in this competition.”

Speaking after her crowning, the Miss March winner pledged not to disappoint those who had put their trust in her. “This to me is not just a title. It’s an opportunity to shine and represent my country as I have always wanted to. I want people all over the world to look at Zimbabwe as a beautiful country with so much potential.”

Commenting on Aisha’s win, Mike Tashaya, the Face of Zimbabwe Marketing Director, said: “We thank the public for being the ultimate judges of this competition and selecting contestants such as Aisha, who are world-class, experienced and have a serious commitment to the Face of Zimbabwe project. To us this is an inclusive public project, we invite contestants from everywhere to take part and also those who want to partner with us.”

As part of the tourism drive, Sibo Bero, the reigning Face of Zimbabwe is set to launch an international campaign styled I Love ZW in which the public will be invited to tell the world about Zimbabwe through pictures. The campaign is the beauty queen’s FOZ mandate to promote the best of Zimbabwe to the world.